CLANDESTINE

one

Desteen's POV

"Kairi, are you already outside the headquarters?" Rindou asked right away when I called him

I hummed in response, "yes. How dangerous is this building that you have to pick me up from the entrance?"

"You can't even imagine," he answered, "stay there, I'm about to go down– Akeime, don't play with daddy's things."

I chuckled and ended the call. Akeime probably can't remember me since it's been two years since I last saw her.

I waited for minutes, he probably struggled with being a father that's why it took him so long to pick me up. He went out with Akeime, the little girl is eating his tie and it now has a visible mark of saliva on it.

I laughed, "fatherhood going well, cousin?"

He rolled his eyes, "please, I don't think I want her to have a sibling now."

"Akeime, I'm your aunt Desteen!" I smiled and extended my hand towards her

"Steen," she smiled, "Steen!"

I chuckled and took her from Rindou's arms as we went inside the building. She held my hair and pulled it gently, she looks so impressed with my curls!

"So, good thing your husband finally allowed you to leave that damn house, huh?" Rindou said while we're in the elevator, "fucking psychotic."

I smiled bitterly, "Rin, can I use our surname here instead? I don't want to carry my father's or my husband's surname."

He nodded, "alright, Desteen Kairi Haitani."

Desteen Kairi Ichizumi is my name, I am married to Ichizumi Reon. Ran and Rindou are both my cousins from my mother's side, but my dad is foreign making me half Japanese only. My mom died when I was only ten, and that's when my dad took me abroad. He set me up on a fixed marriage with the son of a business partner, that's why I got married to someone.

But our marriage is toxic, I just can't get away with it because I don't want to disappoint my father. It is suffocating, he keeps me caged. Rindou was right, it's actually impressive that he didn't raise his hand when I told him I want to apply for a job. Pros of him being tired from work, I guess.

Bonten was looking for a financial adviser and manage it as well. Rindou immediately asked me if I am interested. Of course, I said yes. I was brought up to manage our business when my dad steps down, so I have an idea when it comes to a business' financial aspects.

The elevator opened and we went down. Akeime reached out for Rindou so I gave her back, and she immediately buried her face on his neck while yawning. How cute!

I've always wanted a child but I don't want Reon to be the father, if I'm gonna be honest. I don't want my child to be in a toxic household. So I guess I will never know what motherhood feels like.